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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Kelowna Rockets President/GM Bruce Hamilton announced Wednesday that the Rockets and assistant coach Dan Lambert have agreed on a new two year contract extension.

Lambert is in his fifth season as a Rockets assistant coach and the extension will keep him with the Rockets through the 2015-16 Western Hockey League season.

"Dan is certainly a strong candidate to become a head coach and that's why we want to keep him in our organization," said Hamilton. "He's done a wonderful job developing our young defenceman. He's a quality person and we're thrilled to have him in our organization."

Lambert joined the Rockets after a 19-year professional playing career that saw him play for the Quebec Nordiques as well as at the AHL and IHL levels in North America. He also had a long and prosperous career in Germany's top league the DEL.

A Memorial Cup winner as a junior with the Swift Current Broncos, Lambert once recorded more than 100 points as a WHL defenceman.

"I feel very fortunate to be a part of a great organization," said Lambert. "The players that we have had here in my time have been a joy to work with."

Among the defenceman that Lambert has worked with include Tyson Barrie, for his final two years with the Rockets, as well as current Rockets and NHL draft picks Madison Bowey and Damon Severson as well as up and coming youngster Riley Stadel.

"When you look at developing our defenceman, Dan has done a great job right from the day he started," said Hamilton. "He's an excellent coach."